For many people, Obstetric fistula isn’t something they wilfully ignore. It’s something they don’t even know about. We aim to change that.

Today marks the second ever International Day to End Obstetric fistula. The main purpose of the day is to raise awareness about Obstetric Fistula and how it can be eradicated.

WHAT IS FISTULA?

During childbirth, certain complications can occur. An Obstetric fistula develops when a baby cannot come out through the birth canal because it is too big for the pelvis. In the developing world obstetric fistulae is avoided through Caesarean-Section, but in rural areas of developing countries, access to such medical care is extremely limited.

As the baby is too big to pass through the pelvis, its delivery develops into prolonged and obstructed labour. The obstruction means that the baby’s head presses against the bladder and/or the rectum. This creates pressure which cuts the blood supply off those areas and causes the tissue to die off. The baby is delivered stillborn and the internal pressure results in a hole which causes urinary and faecal incontinence.

NOT JUST A PHYSICAL INJURY

Due to their injury and poverty, Obstetric fistula sufferers are more vulnerable to infections and related health issues. Social isolation and rejection from their community and family are other consequences of Obstetric fistula. Added to this, these women are still living with the untreated psychological trauma of stillbirth. Infertility and increased poverty because of their inability to work are long-term effects.

WHERE YOU COME IN

Obstetric fistula is a problem that should not exist in 2014. Together, we can end fistula. Here’s how you can make a difference.

Learn how we’re tackling Obstetric fistula at Operation Fistula.

• Get the details on our program
• Read some of our patient stories
• Hear from our Treatment Coordinators on the ground

Celebrate today with these shareable nuggets:

• 2- 3.5 million women in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia live with this injury #WhatIsFistula #EndFistula Tweet This
• Every year 50,000-100,000 women are affected by this injury. #WhatIsFistula #EndFistula Tweet This
• Obstetric Fistula is a problem that shouldn't exist in 2014. Together, we can #EndFistula Tweet This
• Obstetric Fistula is the biggest problem you’ve never heard of #WhatIsFistula #EndFistula Tweet This
• Today is the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, but #WhatisFistula #EndFistula Tweet This